The Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Chen Xiaodong arrived in Ghana on Tuesday, 1st May, 2018, for a 2-day official visit. Among members of his delegation were the Deputy Director-General of the Department of African Affairs, Mr. Xiao Han, The Deputy Director General of the Department of International Organisations and Conferences, Mr Yang Tao, as well as officials from the Chinese Embassy in Ghana.
A bilateral meeting was held between the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Charles Owiredu and his Chinese counterpart, Mr. Chen Xiaodong on the premises of the Ministry on Tuesday, 1st May, 2018. Discussions were held on a wide range of issues of mutual interest to Ghana and China.
Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Owiredu extended greetings from the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. He acknowledged, among other things, the longstanding relations between Ghana and China, which dates back to the 1960s when diplomatic contact was first established. He indicated that, Ghanaian leaders have sought to deepen relations since then, and that the various high level visits by Ghana were indicative of this strong bond of friendship. He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to further strengthening the existing relations with China. He expressed appreciation, on behalf of the Government of Ghana, to the People’s Republic of China for the establishment of the Forum on China- Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which he stated, had benefited Ghana tremendously. He called for further enhancement of economic cooperation through FOCAC as Ghana moves beyond aid.
For his part, Mr. Chen Xiaodong expressed appreciation to Hon. Owiredu for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation. He commended, among other things, the government’s efforts at improving the socio-economic well-being of the Ghanaian citizenry. He further expressed China’s commitment to enhancing people to people and cultural exchanges between both countries. Touching on trade, he indicated that, the existing trade and investment relationship has been growing exponentially. He noted with delight, the increased level of cooperation between Ghana and China and expressed the hope that the bond between both countries would be further strengthened.
